In a recent announcement, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning regarding misrepresenting certain expenses as eligible for tax deductions under health spending plans. The alert specifically addresses the misclassification of nutrition, wellness, and general health expenses as medical care for Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs).

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

What’s the Issue?

The IRS is concerned about companies misleading taxpayers and health spending plan administrators by suggesting that personal expenses for general health and wellness qualify as medical expenses under the tax law. This misinformation can lead individuals to believe they can use pre-tax dollars from their health spending plans to cover these expenses.

What You Need to Understand

Personal expenses for general health and wellness, such as food for weight loss or exercise equipment, are not considered medical expenses under the tax law. Therefore, they are not eligible for reimbursement or tax deductions through FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, or MSAs.

The Consequences of Misrepresentation

If individuals submit claims for non-medical expenses under their health spending plans, they risk having their claims denied. Furthermore, if a health spending plan is found to be non-qualified due to the inclusion of non-medical expenses, all payments made under the plan, even for legitimate medical expenses, may become taxable.

How to Avoid Being Misled

Be cautious of companies that promise reimbursement for non-medical expenses through health spending plans. Remember that legitimate medical expenses must be related to a specific diagnosis or treatment and must meet the requirements outlined by the IRS.

Where to Find Reliable Information

If you have questions about whether a specific expense qualifies as a medical expense, consult the IRS website or review the frequently asked questions about medical costs for nutrition, wellness, and general health. Additionally, if you are an FSA or HSA participant with Medcom, you can check out the FSA Store or HSA Store websites for a list of eligible expenses.

Understanding the distinction between medical and non-medical expenses can help you avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Always verify the legitimacy of claims and seek reliable information from authoritative sources when in doubt.